Addressed to a specific person Tailored to the requirements of the position. Typed – NEVER HANDWRITTEN!!!! Sound very confident Spell checked Proofread several times The Letter Should be

Should enable the reader to make a connection between him/herself and your background. o Identifies mutual acquaintances or company employees if you know any. (Drop Names) o Expresses your knowledge of the company. o Does not repeat, but can highlight information in the resume. o Is short and to the point – no more than half a page. o Mentions why you would like to work for the company. o Must have perfect grammar and spelling!!!!!! o Uses the same bond paper as your resume.

Before mailing ask the following questions to yourself. Is my cover letter clear? Is it going to speak on my behalf about my skills and experience? Am I including relevant info? Is it well organized? Will my letter make it clear to the employer about my contributions to the position?

Sample Cover Letters: Job Ad Response Cover Letter Dear Mr. Diaz Your advertisement in the New York Times appealed to me for two reasons. You plan to open up a new branch of Saccharine Confections; I seek the opportunity to manage a newly-opened store. I am also interested in building my career in the food industry. Therefore, I have decided to submit my resume in application for the position of Store Manager. My relevant experience includes three years as a candy chef for Sticky Sweets of Boston and my current position as assistant store manager of Licorice and Lollipops. I look forward to discussing opportunities at Saccharine Confections with you. I will call you next week to make sure you have received my resume and to set up a mutually agreeable time for us to speak. Yours truly Cosima Fenway

Sample Cover Letters: Referral Cover Letter Dear Hanes Henry Poulet at the Louvre suggested I contact you to ask for advice about pursuing a career in Fine Arts Administration. I worked with Henry last summer through an internship sponsored by the University of Michigan and found the work to be stimulating and well-suited to my talents. Henry suggested that an excellent first step in my career search would be a discussion with you. I am going to be visiting New York this March (from the 12th to 18th). I will call your office within the week to see if I can schedule an appointment with you during that time. Very Truly Yours Daniel Griffin

Top Margin - 2.5” Left Margin - 1.5” Right Margin - 1.5” Bottom Margin – 1” Everything Starts at the Left Margin (Page Set Up)

This is your mailing address Line 1 - P.O. Box # or House # Street/RR Line 2 - City, State Zip Code Example - P.O. Box 30 Copenhagen, NY 13626

Place your Address on a sheet of paper at the left margin Right under your Address at the left margin Place the date - Written out June 11, 2016

Completed Return Address and Date 13 Maple Street Copenhagen, NY June 11, 2016 Single spaced (Hit enter 4 times)

Next - the Letter Address/Inside Address This includes: Name of Person – with Title Name of Company/Business (if available) Address of Company/Business City, State Zip Code (Hit Enter 2 times) (If you don’t have this information, make it up for now.)

Sample Letter Address/ Inside Address Mr. John Smith, President Logitech 123 Main Street New York, NY Single Spaced (Hit Enter 2 times)

Salutation/Greeting Dear Name of Person Letter is going to Dear Mr. Smith (Hit Enter 2 times)

Body of Letter The first paragraph – state the position you are applying for and how you found out about the position. It won’t hurt to mention you are just the one for the job and why. (Hit Enter 2 times between paragraphs)

Sample Paragraph 1 The position of Senior Electronic Technician listed in the Providence Journal of December 28, 2013, interests me. Over the past five years, I have worked in a variety of different electronics positions which have provided me with a broad base of skills that seem appropriate to this position. The name of the paper should be underlined and first letter of main words in capital letters Or In all CAPITAL LETTERS

Body Paragraph Two/Three The second/third paragraph – tell them why you would be good for the job. Tell them what you can do for them. In this paragraph you state what your strong points are and why they should hire you. (This is when it is necessary to “brag” about yourself. Have a friend help you if you are having trouble coming up with good things to say about yourself)) (Hit Enter 2 times between paragraphs)

Sample Paragraph 2 My current position requires that I have frequent contact with customers concerning the equipment that they have at their facilities. On-site troubleshooting of equipment problems is one of my responsibilities. To date, I have the best service record within the company, requiring the fewest call-backs for equipment previously repaired.

Sample Paragraph 2 My relevant experience includes three years as a candy chef for Sticky Sweets of Boston and my current position as assistant store manager of Licorice and Lollipops.

Sample Paragraph 2 In May I will be graduating from Large State University with a degree in business. While in school, I developed strong organizational and customer service skills. As a dormitory assistant, I organized events, led meetings, and assisted students. As treasurer of the Business Society, I maintained the budget and presented budget reports. My summer jobs also required extensive interaction with the public. I believe these experiences have prepared me for your management trainee position.

Last Paragraph The last paragraph – thank them, tell them how to get in contact with you, indicate to them that you have enclosed your resume, and set up an interview. (Hit Enter 2 times)

Example Last Paragraph Thank you for your time. You may contact me at the address, address, or telephone number stated on my enclosed resume. I look forward to hearing from you so that we may set up an interview at your convenience.

Example Last Paragraph I look forward to discussing opportunities at Saccharine Confections with you. I will call you next week to make sure you have received my resume and to set up a mutually agreeable time for us to speak.

Example Last Paragraph I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications more fully in an interview. I can be reached at I have enclosed by resume for your review. Thank you for your consideration. (Hit Enter 2 times)

Closing Sincerely yours Hit enter 4 times – leaves 3 blank lines This gives you enough room to sign your name. Type your full name (Hit enter 2 times – leaves 1 blank line) Enclosure (Tells the reader to look for something else in the envelope besides the cover letter – the resume.) Everything starts at Left Margin

Closing Sample Sincerely yours John Smith Enclosure (Don’t forget to sign it with blue or black ink before mailing it.)

Final Steps Proofread the letter Make any corrections Proofread the letter again Print final copy on good quality paper Sign the letter with blue or black ink